Alcohol clampdown launched on QPR matchdays after trouble

An alcohol clampdown has been launched in Shepherd's Bush to stop trouble flaring on Queen's Park Rangers matchdays.

Stricter licencing conditions have been imposed on two premises after police raised concerns.

The Springbok pub near Loftus Road stadium must now not allow drinkers in the garden two hours before and one hour after kick-off, while it is also now required to employ bouncers.

And the City Supermarket in South Africa Road has been banned from selling booze in the lead-up to and aftermath of matches and must install CCTV.

The measures were introduced after several incidences of trouble at both venues last season.

At The Springbok, which is for home fans only, violence caused by the proximity of the garden to the road flared on five separate occasions.

It faces directly on to the street and when away supporters walk past, disorder can occur.

In his report that went before the Hammersmith and Fulham Council licencing committee, Sergeant Stuart Ratcliffe wrote: "The garden has caused considerable problems for the policing operation... and has regularly resulted in bottles being thrown, abusive language and aggressive behaviour."

As part of the new conditions, security cameras will me installed, three bouncers must be employed from three hours before kick-off and an hour after the match, and the first-floor balcony cannot be used until an hour after the match either.

The City Supermarket had previously been able to sell alcohol on matchdays but, with drinking on the street banned in Shepherd's Bush and supporters unable to take alcohol into Loftus Road stadium, enforcing the rules was causing police problems.

More than a hundred alcohol seizures were made from drink bought there, while there was also violence involving drunken rival fans.

The shop will now no longer be able to sell booze two hours before and one hour after kick-off, in line with off-licences surrounding Chelsea's ground, Stamford Bridge.

Both premises have 21 days to appeal from the date of the committee's decision on August 15.